Cultivation Simulator: Shocking the Academy

At this moment, over a hundred gazes converged on Luo Chen like spotlights. He stood at the center of the crowd, seemingly becoming the focal point of everyone's attention. Yet, under all these eyes, Luo Chen's thoughts drifted back to his distant childhood.

Back then, his mother would always gently hold him and take him for walks. The scenery along the way was picturesque, but people's words were as sharp as knives. Whether it was the relatives of the Lin Family or the lowly servants and maids, they always looked at him with unusual eyes, sneering smiles hanging at the corners of their mouths. As a child, he didn't understand much, but those cold laughs and sarcastic remarks stabbed into his young heart like needles.

They all believed he was a natural-born jinx bringing bad omens. Whenever this happened, his mother would always hold him tightly, gently soothing his back with her warm hand, trying to calm the storm in his heart. Meanwhile, his father would silently stand by, with a steadfast gleam in his eyes, as if telling him: No matter what others think, you are our pride.

Many years passed, and the mocking and ridicule seemed to still echo in his ears. However, Luo Chen was no longer that helpless child. Under the protection of his parents, he had grown into a young man with responsibility and strength. He knew that glory, status, and power were the best gifts he could give back to his parents!

Thinking of this, a flicker of determination passed through Luo Chen's eyes. This determination was like the brightest star in the night sky, causing all who looked at him to shudder. They seemed to see a brand-new Luo Chen, a young man no longer bound by the past, pushing forward courageously.

"Did you see the light in his eyes? It's terrifying!" Someone whispered.

"Yeah, does he have enemies here? I hope we don't run into him after entering the Forest of Death!" another person chimed in.

Luo Chen seemed not to hear these discussions. He slowly returned to the team, with a confidence and composure that he had never shown before. Ling Yueyaya looked at him, with a hint of surprise and appreciation in her eyes. She gave Luo Chen a charming glance, playfully saying, "Oh wow, I didn't expect it. You look weak, yet your strength is so formidable?"

Luo Chen gave a faint smile and did not answer. Meanwhile, Carefree Meng Lan looked at him with admiration. "Haha, I've always said Luo Chen's talents are beyond comparison," she said with pride and certainty in her voice.

Carefree Meng Lan recalled the scene when she first advanced to a Four-star Soul Warrior. She was already fifteen at that time, and now at nineteen, she had just entered the realm of a One-star Soul Warrior. She knew her talent was gradually declining as her progress slowed, but in front of her, Luo Chen revealed astonishing potential and strength.

As the team slowly advanced, everyone gradually ventured deeper into the Forest of Death. Thick trees blocked out the sky, with only dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves and falling on the ground. The air was filled with a mysterious and ancient aura, as if every leaf and every stone held endless stories.

Luo Chen walked in the team, focusing solely on feeling the aura of this mystical forest. He knew the mission this time wasn't simple, but he also understood his own strength and capability. He wanted to prove his worth through action, showing those who once ridiculed and belittled him his growth and progress.

"Alright, let's go queue up, otherwise we'll end up at the back," Carefree Meng Lan said cheerfully, her face beaming with a smile. Upon hearing this, everyone adjusted their mindset, preparing to join the long line ahead.

At this time, the square was bustling with crowds, yet orderly. Three Fighting Masters sat at the assessment table, their eyes sharp and deep, as if they could see through everyone's soul. Although an hour had passed, they remained vigorous without any sign of fatigue. Whenever they discovered a remarkably gifted youth, a trace of excitement would flash in their eyes, just like Bole discovering a thousand-mile horse.

However, just as the five were about to step forward, a cry of surprise shattered the tranquility of the square.

"Five... Five-star Soul Master?" One of the Fighting Masters, who always maintained a gentle smile, now wore a look of shock. His voice was not loud, but it was enough to draw the attention of everyone around.

"What?" Ling Yueyun's eyes widened in disbelief. Even when Luo Chen shone brightly, he barely managed to stay calm, but now he was the first to exclaim.

The five turned simultaneously, their eyes fixed on the assessment table. The three Fighting Masters had already stopped their work, their gazes locked on the young, handsome man before them. The man, dressed casually, stood out conspicuously in the crowd. What was even more shocking was that his face was all too familiar to Luo Chen.

"Zhao Dongfang?" Luo Chen exclaimed, his face turning pale as snow. He never imagined meeting this puzzling and unbelievable person here.